Yesterday we saw Pietro Mattio pulling at the front of the group all day long, always full throttle with the wind in his face, and we can say without mincing words that he played a significant role in Olav Kooij's victory. Pietro is 20 years old and since 2023 has been pedaling in the Visma Lease a Bike Development Team, nurturing the dream of becoming a full-fledged professional rider. These days, he's almost there, as the Dutch team has brought a group of strong young athletes to Oman like Olav Kooij and Cian Uijtdebroeks, two seasoned veterans like Daniel McLay and Steven Kruijswijk, and the very young Italian.

Pietro Mattio is not afraid to dream. He started doing so many years ago when, as a child, seeing the bikes sold in his father's shop, he decided to try. He began with the G1 category and then step by step approached professional cycling through off-road and cyclocross until the call from Visma Lease a Bike. "The first contacts with the Dutch team came when I was still a junior, and initially, it all seemed like a dream. I didn't think it was possible. Then this adventure began, and I discovered a gigantic team where everyone is very down-to-earth and available. At first, it was really difficult; I didn't speak Dutch and struggled with English, but gradually I started to understand and make myself understood, and everything became easier" - Pietro tells us with emotion, but also with the awareness of having an opportunity he is trying to make the most of -: "The Development Team is very close to the World Tour, we've had several joint training camps and shared training sessions where I could ride side by side with great champions like Van Aert, who is somewhat my reference point".

In the Development Team of the Dutch giant, Pietro is growing step by step, and thanks to the collaboration with the World Tour Team, as happened last year, he has the opportunity to race alongside other professionals. At the Tour of Oman, he is effectively part of the Jumbo powerhouse, like a dress rehearsal for the professional world in which he is doing more than well. Yesterday, the winner himself, Olav Kooij, had publicly thanked him for the super work done and for how he managed the pursuit of the breakaway. "This experience in Oman is incredibly precious; I believe it's a unique opportunity, and it's an honor to be here. I had already raced among professionals, but this race has a high level, and it's incredible to start the season this way - Pietro continues -. In these days, I can compare myself with great athletes like Kruijswijk; it's beautiful, I can truly learn a lot from them. Cycling is changing; fewer athletes are winning, and young riders are expected to deliver immediately. I want to use these days to get to know myself better and enjoy the breeze of racing, at least for a while, among real professionals."

After a good winter and lots of training, Pietro in Oman is showing that he has all the credentials to make the big step. He loves the northern classics, which he has already experienced in the under-23 selection, but he also performs well in stage races. He defines himself as a good domestique always ready to lend a hand, but he also wants to understand how far he can go.

"After Oman, I'll go to the Tour of Croatia and hope to return to the Tour de l'Avenir. I can't wait to test myself and gain as much experience as possible," Pietro tells us before saying goodbye. The second stage of the Omani race is about to begin, and we already know that in the next few days, we'll see him pulling at the front of the group.